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Ship Chief Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CWPS

Chief Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

The Opportunity The Chief Engineer will lead end to end technical execution across a multi ... Industry partners and shipbuilders / modernization yards * Decompose complex systems into ...

Red River Technology

Chief Engineer

College Park, MD · On-site

The Opportunity The Chief Engineer will lead end to end technical execution across a multi ... Industry partners and shipbuilders / modernization yards * Decompose complex systems into ...

CWPS

Chief Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

The Opportunity The Chief Engineer will lead end to end technical execution across a multi ... Industry partners and shipbuilders / modernization yards * Decompose complex systems into ...

Stabbert Offshore Crew

Chief Engineer Unlimited

Seattle, WA · On-site

$171K - $192K/yr

... and ship repair industries. Our diverse operational fleet serves the science, research, offshore ... The Chief Engineer leads the engineering department, supervises maintenance activities, manages ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · Remote

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for engineering and systems activities ... ships, aircraft (manned and unmanned), and supporting systems in accordance with mission ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Chief Engineer

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

The Chief Engineer serves as the senior technical authority for engineering and systems activities ... ships, aircraft (manned and unmanned), and supporting systems in accordance with mission ...

L3HHCM20

Chief Engineer (MIS)

Northampton, MA

MIS is a Business Unit within L3Harris' Undersea Systems Division comprised of Submarine, Surface ship, and UxV maritime imaging systems. The MIS Business Unit Chief Engineer provides technical ...

L3 Harris

Chief Engineer (MIS)

Northampton, MA

MIS is a Business Unit within L3Harris' Undersea Systems Division comprised of Submarine, Surface ship, and UxV maritime imaging systems. The MIS Business Unit Chief Engineer provides technical ...

L3 Harris

Chief Engineer (MIS)

Northampton, MA

$178K - $299K/yr

MIS is a Business Unit within L3Harris' Undersea Systems Division comprised of Submarine, Surface ship, and UxV maritime imaging systems. The MIS Business Unit Chief Engineer provides technical ...

Zeno Power

Chief Engineer - Maritime

Seattle, WA · On-site

$195K - $230K/yr

As Chief Engineer, you will be responsible for leadership of technical and engineering aspects ... engineering, shipboard operations, offshore operations, or maritime platform integration

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All JobsShip Chief Engineer Jobs

Ship Chief Engineer information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92.9K

$181K

How much do ship chief engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ship chief engineer in the United States is $92,945.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Ship Chief Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ship Chief Engineer, you need a deep understanding of marine engineering, mechanical systems, and regulatory compliance, supported by a degree in marine engineering and a Chief Engineer's license (STCW certification). Proficiency with shipboard machinery, maintenance management systems, and diagnostic tools is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating engine room teams and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure the safe, efficient operation of the vessel, compliance with maritime regulations, and the wellbeing of crew and cargo.

What are some common challenges faced by a Ship Chief Engineer, and how can they be addressed?

As a Ship Chief Engineer, you'll often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse engineering team, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations, and maintaining complex machinery under tight schedules. To address these, it's important to foster clear communication within your team, stay updated on regulatory changes, and implement regular preventive maintenance routines. Developing strong problem-solving skills and adaptability also helps in handling unexpected technical issues during voyages.

What is the difference between Ship Chief Engineer vs Marine Engineer?

AspectShip Chief EngineerMarine Engineer
CredentialsSTCW Chief Engineer Certification, Marine Engineering DegreeSTCW Marine Engineer Certification, Marine Engineering Degree
Work EnvironmentEngine room, ship's technical managementEngine room, ship's technical operations
Employer & Industry UsageShipping companies, cruise lines, offshore vesselsShipping companies, offshore industry, naval vessels
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Ship Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the ship's engine room, overseeing the engineering team. The Marine Engineer typically refers to the same role but may also denote engineers with specialized technical skills or different certification levels. While both roles work in similar environments and require comparable credentials, the Chief Engineer holds a leadership position overseeing the entire engineering department.

What are Ship Chief Engineers?

Ship Chief Engineers are the senior-most engineers on a vessel, responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and electrical systems on board. They manage the engineering department, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and supervise the engine room crew. Chief Engineers are vital for the safe and efficient running of a ship, often collaborating closely with the Captain and other officers. Their duties include troubleshooting technical issues, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that all machinery runs smoothly during voyages.
More about Ship Chief Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Ship Chief Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Ship Chief Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Ship Chief Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Ship Chief Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ship Chief Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ship Chief Engineer jobs are:
Ship Chief Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ship Chief Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,945 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Chief Engineer

Chief Engineer

Red River Technology

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Red River is a mission focused technology company delivering enterprise IT, systems integration, cybersecurity, and mission support capabilities to the Department of War and Federal customers.

We are seeking a Chief Engineer to serve as the technical authority across alarge scaleNavyprogram integrating maritime systems, hardware production, manufacturing, andSAFealigned software delivery for naval combat systems.

This role drives architecture, engineering design, integration, and production scalability, modernization to accelerate pace to fielding and deliver mission ready capability.

The Opportunity

The Chief Engineer will lead end to end technical execution across a multi-disciplinary environment that includes:

  • Maritime compute infrastructure and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) software integration

  • Continuous lifecycle management and system design updates

  • Hardware production and manufacturing at scale

  • SAFealigned software delivery and automation

  • Procurement and supply chain coordination

  • System integration, test, certification, and deployment

This individual must bridge engineering design, shipboard integration realities, and production throughput to deliver operational capability to the fleet.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and own system architecture across hardware, software, data, and network domains.

  • Serve as the technical lead for system design, integration, and performance.

  • Coordinate with other contract holders fora System of Systemsintegration to ensure continuity for all connected systems.

  • Lead integration of IaaS and PaaS elements and ensure interoperability with the Navy's Integrated Combat System applications in afloat environments.

  • Drive production scalability by aligning engineering with manufacturing throughput and reducing cycle time

  • Ensure designs areoptimizedfor manufacturability, integration, and repeatable delivery

  • Institute Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and integration with TDP artifacts as the authoritative technical baseline.

  • Prescribe Test and Evaluation standards and metrics for:

  • Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E)

  • Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)

  • Progression, Regression, & Replication Testing

  • Establish engineering governance, requirements management, change management, and technical assurance

  • Serve as primary engineering interface to:

  • Navy IWS Stakeholders and Program Offices

  • Industry partners and shipbuilders / modernization yards

  • Decompose complex systems into executable and trackable delivery elements

  • Lead lifecycle sustainment, reliability, and performance analysis

  • Qualify and quantify technical risk, and measures of compliance with Department of War and Navy Cybersecurity standards

  • Drive multi-vendor teams toward delivery outcomes

  • Serve as the primary technical advisor toDepartmentof War,Navyand other stakeholders from higher and adjacent programs.

Required Qualifications

  • 12+years supporting Department of War, Intelligence Community, or Federal programs

  • Demonstratedexpertisewith US Navy modernization programs and transition to production throughput or pace to fielding

  • Active Secret clearance

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

  • Experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs

  • Strong systems engineering background including requirements management and technical assurance

  • Experience integrating hardware and software development, procurement, manufacturing,assemblyand testing.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with US Navy and US Coast Guard equipment including shipboard shock isolated compute infrastructure (OEM servers,networkingand storage) for integration with naval combat systems

  • Prior Surface Navy design agent, system integration, and/or hardware production program experience

  • Experience on programs valued annually at $100M or greater

  • ASNE Naval Engineering Certificate

  • INCOSE Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

  • Experience with shipboard integration or test environments, including WESERBs

  • Experience bringing commercial best practices into Federal environments

  • SAFeProgram Consultant (SPC) or otherSAFecertification

Basic Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizenship Required

Red River offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and an exceptional work environment. You can review our benefit offerings here. If you are ready to join a growing company, please submit your resume and cover letter (optional).

EOE M/F/DISABLED/Vet

Red River is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Discrimination or harassment based upon any protected characteristics as defined by state or federal law is wholly inconsistent with our company values and will not be tolerated.

In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the American's with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contactaccommodation@redriver.com. PLEASE NOTE: This contact channel is reserved for use by individuals with disabilities who require special accommodations in order to submit an expression of interest in a position within Red River.

Red River does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings or otherwise. Placement fees will not be paid to any recruiter unless Red River hasan active agreement in place with the recruiter and such a request has been made by the Red River Talent Acquisition team and such candidate was submitted to the Red River Talent Acquisition Team via our ApplicantTracking System. Any unsolicited resumes or other data submitted to Red River in violation of this policy may be used by Red River without obligation to pay any fees of any kind to the recruiter.

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